Nyakundi Report archive: published on 19 November 2018.
American Airlines pilots on Monday pressed the carrier to open negotiations in January for a new labor contract, arguing that their pay has not been updated since 2017 and that the airline should move beyond a bankruptcy-era agreement.
The Allied Pilots Association, which represents about 15,000 American Airlines pilots, said it was time to replace the deal that followed the company’s restructuring. The union said the request comes as demand for air travel remains strong.
American Airlines signed a five-year contract with its pilots in early 2015. That agreement delivered an immediate 23 percent pay increase, followed by annual raises of 3 percent.
The source material also notes a file photo from Dallas-Ft Worth International Airport dated February 14, 2013, showing pilots near an American Airlines aircraft after the planned merger of American Airlines and US Airways was announced.
APA President Captain Daniel Carey said in a statement:
“With respectful communication and open dialogue, there is no reason why we cannot achieve a better contract,”
He added:
“We fully intend to conclude these negotiations in months, not years.”
The union’s push sets up an early bargaining fight over compensation, with the pilots seeking a faster return to the table while the carrier continues to benefit from higher passenger demand.
